Upstart Fastfood comes from chef and Ironman triathlete Adam Melonas, who wanted something without artificial flavors and ingredients. Using real fruit purees, powders and concetrates to flavor the sports drink mix, gels and gummies, the other unique ingredient is their Galacto-Syrup.
Essentially a blend of glucose, fructose, and lactose, the combo claims to offer a more time-released source of carbohydrates that won’t lead to crashing. The Galactose comes from lactase enzymes breaking down whey and lactose, making it suitable even for those with lactose intolerances.
Three products are offered, a hydration mix, gels, and gummies. I’ve tried all three, and msot of the flavors, and they’re quite tasty. The flavors are fresh and refreshing, and the addition of the Galacto-syrup in the gels and gummies not only gives them a unique (and good) flavor, but they also seem to do the trick for fueling my rides. If you’ve been unhappy with other fuel sources, they’re definitely worth a try.
Tailwind’s Grape Outdoors limited time flavor benefits inner city youth
The limited release Grape Outdoors sports drink flavor from Tailwind Nutrition will donate 10% of sales to Big City Mountaineers. BCM engages youth in hiking, camping, backpacking, and paddling experiences in seven cities across the country, strengthening life skills and building community for youth from disinvested communities. Since 1989, they’ve more than 42,000 nights under the stars for youth who might not have otherwise had the opportunity.
It’s their same Endurance Formula mix, blending dextrose, sucrose, electrolytes and organic flavors. A four serving bundle is $10.
Gnarly Nutrition launches sample boxes
With four options to choose from, Gnarly Nutrition’s new sampler kits let you try a few different products and flavors based on your goals. Each is $7.00 and lets you customize the flavors and options in them.
The Everyday Fitness box has greens, protein (choice of whey or vegan), hydration, and your choice of BCAAs or Collagen. The Strength box has a pre-workout mix, BCAAs, protein, and a choice of collagen or hydration. The Endurance box gets their hydration and fuel drink mixes, two flavors of protein, and choice of BCAAs or Collagen. Lastly, the Adventure pack has fuel, hydration, protein, and greens mixes.
GU offers sample boxes, too
GU Energy is now offering two variety packs, both wtih a collection of their favorites (or, at least, some of my favorites, your preferences may vary, and some other flavors that are probably worth trying. The Small box runs $19 and comes as shown above with eight items, though the Watermelon Chews are a double-serving bag. The Large ($39.50) has 17 items, including two double-serving bags of chews (Watermelon and Strawberry.
